News Podcast

This project will explore the many ways that Nature and Technology are connected. Every piece of technology in built from natural resources, and has environmental consequences when it is used and discarded. On the other hand, technology is created in an attempt to improve upon nature, and can be a vital tool in predicting and preparing for natural disasters. We will use this project to learn about a variety of historical events and current issues, and share our findings with others through a Podcast.

• You may work alone or with a partner. (If you would like to work in a group of three, you will be assigned two news stories.)
• You may propose a news story of your own choosing, but it may be rejected by the News Station Producer (Mr. Cox) if the story is not interesting enough, or if it is too much like other stories already approved.
• You will be given some time in class to research the topic and prepare the GarageBand file for the podcast, but you will most likely need to write and rehearse the script outside of class-time.
• You may use this list to propose a topic, but you are welcome to propose topics that are not on this list. Note that certain topics will likely be popular choices, and many of these proposals will be rejected. Please consider what others are proposing to ensure that a range of topics is covered in each class.

First Assignment: Due Thursday, 5/6. With your partner, if you have one, write a gaggle e-mail to Mr. Cox with your proposed news story. It should include enough information to show that you are serious about the topic and interested in learning more. It should attempt to persuade me, if I get more than one proposal on the topic, that you are the ideal reporter(s) for the job.

Final Due Date: Wednesday, 6/3:

• Requirements: As a reporter you need DETAILS and visuals to keep your audience interested. You will need to submit your project (PDF file, podcast file, or video file) on Wednesday, June 3rd.
• WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN… Explain the event. Include the location, time period (both duration and occurrence), number of people affected (death, injured or displaced), general causes and aftermath. You should have at least two independent sources for any facts you use in your story!
• WHY? Describe scientifically the causes of the natural disaster (ex- tectonics/plates involved in the earthquake.) It is important to be descriptive here. Use a map to show location. Use a visual diagram to support cause of disaster.
• Explain the type of measurement used to determine level of devastation (i.e Richter scale)
• Explain the economic impact, if available (ex. Hurricane Katrina caused a spike in oil due to damaged refineries and wells.) Cost of estimated damage.
• Remember this is a news report, SO make it interesting. Watch, listen to, or read the news for ideas.

Here is the grading rubric for the project: